Possible Futures For The Old Valley Railroad Line

As part of a recent study on the future of the abandoned Valley Railroad in Middletown and Haddam, there is a simulation of what the area would look like if a trail replaced the rusting rails. On the upper half of the page is an autumn scene with the rails running along the Connecticut River. On the lower half the rails are gone, replaced by a multi-use path and silhouettes of a couple walking and a man bicycling along the trail.

The image jarred my senses. Maybe I don't want to see the rails go. Over the years, I've written columns advocating the creation of a multi-use trail along the abandoned portion of the "old Valley Road" from the streets of Middletown south to the Tylerville section of Haddam. The rails haven't been used since the late 1960s and, with no serious plans to upgrade the line, it made sense to create a hiking trail along one of the most beautiful portions of the Connecticut River.

Then a reader e-mailed me about the Valley Railroad State Park Scenic Corridor study, which was completed last year by The Conway School. The study is one of a number being conducted for the Lower Connecticut River Valley Council Of Governments. The agency is collecting data on the costs, benefits and feasibility of various options for the nine miles of abandoned tracks running from Tylerville to the Maromas section of Middletown.

The study concludes with three "visions for the corridor." The first is called "the no-action alternative" and it's pretty straightforward, with a few upgrades. The area would remain the same as it is today, with pedestrians allowed to use the trail to hike or walk their dogs. Certain areas of the riverbank would be accessible for kayaks or canoe launches.

The second vision calls for the rails to be taken up and trestles decked, allowing the construction of a multi-use trail for hikers, bicyclists and horse riders. "While trail visitors enjoy exploring the rich history and natural diversity along the corridor, great care is taken to avoid disturbance of sensitive habitats," the study notes.

The third vision calls for both a multi-use trail and continued use of the railroad for trains. The trail would be parallel to the track and cross streams and rivers along pedestrian decks attached to the trestles or boardwalks.

"With both trail and rail, a broad spectrum of visitors and residents can enjoy the majesty and beauty of the Connecticut River Valley," the study notes.

Figuring out the options might be the easy part. Getting everyone on the same page might be difficult. The state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection owns the right-of-way from Middletown to Old Saybrook and leases it to the Essex Steam Train. The state Department of Transportation oversees the line. Half of the 23 miles are used for the tourist train, while the other half of the rails and ties sit abandoned, rusting and rotting since the last freight train rain in 1968.

"Any future trail would be contingent on interest, involvement and support from these entities," the study notes. "Recognizing the possibilities allows for envisioning what the corridor might look like for future generations."

Anyone who has traveled the Old Valley Road – from hobos to train passengers to hikers – knows the priceless value of this resource. No matter what kind of transportation used, this part of the state should be showcased for everyone to visit.

Visit http://rivercog.org/Rail.html for a copy of the 140-page study which includes beautiful historical photos and detailed maps of the area.